The K-Pop agency MODHAUS, home to tripleS, ARTMS, and idntt, has recently come under fire for what many fans are calling one of the most “ridiculous” hiring processes in the entertainment industry.
A viral post on X (formerly Twitter) sparked the discussion after one netizen questioned whether MODHAUS’s extensive pre-interview “assignment” was appropriate for a temporary 3-month contract position.
“The pre-assignment for MODHAUS’s (tripleS, ARTMS) contract hiring is so intense, it feels like a K-Pop research project. Ten essay questions and three interviews… for a short-term contract?!”
Applicants were asked to complete a 10-question written assignment, requiring in-depth responses analyzing K-pop trends, underrated artists, and fandom platforms like MODHAUS’s own COSMO app.
Some of the questions included:
- “Choose one album or MV from an idol group that debuted within the past year and review its distinctive qualities.”
- “Analyze the direction K-Pop is currently heading — genre, performance, or marketing.”
- “Describe a music video you couldn’t finish watching and explain why it failed to keep your attention.”
- “What are your views on overused concepts or expressions in K-Pop?”
- “If you were to work as an artist researcher, what philosophy would guide your analysis?”
In addition to the demanding questionnaire, MODHAUS’s job listing stated there would be three rounds of interviews, all for a 3-month contract that may — but not necessarily will — be extended for another three months.
K-netizens across platforms like TheQoo and Twitter were quick to call out the agency’s approach:
- If you need market research, pay professionals. Don’t exploit applicants for free ideas under a fake ‘assignment.’
- Even universities reward survey papers with gift cards — this is ridiculous.
- All this for a short-term job? They’re out of their minds.
Some even accused the agency of using the process to crowdsource creative input without compensating candidates. “They’re literally collecting research and strategy ideas from hundreds of applicants for free.”
Another comment went viral, claiming: “I know someone who worked there. Almost nobody becomes full-time — they just rotate short-term staff endlessly.”
While MODHAUS has built a reputation for innovative idol concepts — particularly with tripleS’s fan-participation system — its corporate culture is now being questioned.
Critics have labeled the process “power tripping”, especially considering the position’s limited pay and temporary nature. Others compared it to “unpaid consulting disguised as recruitment.” “Even CEOs can’t answer those ten questions. Are they trying to test IQ or loyalty?” and “This is the K-Pop version of corporate exploitation.”
Industry insiders note that overly complicated recruitment for low-paying or short-term roles has become a growing issue in entertainment. With agencies increasingly relying on “research” and “creative consulting,” young applicants often face intense competition and unpaid labor expectations.
Sources: TheQoo,Chosun Ilbo,Koreaboo
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